Dog owners must be responsible

Journal-Advocate Staff

Posted:
12/02/2008 03:05:00 AM MST

EDITOR,

While walking my two small dogs recently near my home, we were attacked by a pit bull that jumped over the fence. I yelled, screamed, hollered and no one came to my aid. Finally, the owners of the dog rescued us. This same dog attacked my elderly neighbor and her small dog, but requiring medical attention.

There seems to be a run of loose dogs, especially aftr dark.

Carry some pepper spray when out and about.

rebel

12/3/2008 5:44:45 AM

I am sorry but I think that is a horrible idea. You shouldn't HAVE to carry around pepper spray! On top of the fact that it is a toxic chemical what happens when you accidentally spray your own dog(s) in the process of trying to fend off the other dog!? OR yourself for that matter.

What would you say if they HAD carried it and it did nothing to thwart off the attack? Tell them to carry a gun? You shouldn't have to walk around anticipating a dog attack.

The police need to be handing out more Dog at Large tickets and punishing irresponsible people for not keeping their dogs contained properly. And that goes for any dog, not just the vicious ones.

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Be a responsible pet owner and keep your animals where they belong. In your yard. And if you can't do that then get rid of it. And yes, I have dogs, 4 to be exact and I wouldn't hesitate to get rid of one if I thought they were a danger to others. They may be cute and friendly to you but never underestimate their ability to be unkind to others.

GOTouttaDodge

12/3/2008 12:10:54 PM

GoTouttaDodge,

Good points. In Sterling, the Police do not handle the dog calls. It is the responsibility of the Logan County Humane Society to handle the dog calls.

Snoopy

12/3/2008 9:22:35 PM

Well that's no consolation, given the abundance of dislike I've read about them. It's going to be a damn shame when someone has to actually get hurt to get something done about it. Just pray it's not a child.

GOTouttaDodge

12/4/2008 9:21:25 AM

This dog has had two incidents I think it is time for action to be taken with this dog and this family.Next time might be too late.I personally don't think pit bulls should be allowed in any town they are not one bit safe.....Just my opinion.People forget just how dangerous a dog can be.

Aparentsthought

12/4/2008 10:04:53 AM

I know that their insurance company would be interested in knowing they own a pitbull. Many insurance companies these days have a list of dogs that are not allowed on the premises. And I know for a certain fact that pitbulls are at the top of it. Along with 'trained dogs', i.e. german shepherds, dobermans, etc. Maybe the Svacinas need to file a claim on the owners for any damages incurred from the attack. Vet bills, hospital visit. And I wonder if Mrs. McFarland has considered that. (assuming that was the other attack I've read about)

I will say it before some other bleeding heart, pitbull lover pops up and defends the breed, not EVERY pitbull is bad. They are just a very untrusting breed. The stigma alone attached to them isn't worth the risk. Look at some of the counties on the Front Range, they have already outlawed pitbulls for the numerous DEATHS they have caused.

And you are absolutely right, someone should be held responsible. I really hope they can bear the weight of a dead person or child on their conscience just because they couldn't get rid of 'Tiny'.

GOTouttaDodge

12/4/2008 10:50:53 AM

Forget about outlawing specific breeds lets outlaw ignorant dog owners.Dogs unfortunately will bite, I had a poodle bite me once and oh yeah a hamster once took a hell of a chunk out of my finger.But hamsters are cute and fluffy you can't ban them from that fabulous squeeky wheel.:) People that allow their animals to run freely are the issue, lets get rid of them.

RUSerious

12/4/2008 11:02:29 AM

Unless the injured party files a complaint with the animal control agency, there is nothing they (or the police) can do except talk to the owner of the dog. It is the OWNER that should be held responsible, not the dog.

citizen1

12/5/2008 1:25:56 PM

Anyone who says Pit Bull Terriers should be outlawed are nothing but ignorant.It's not the breed -- it's the breedER and owner.Do your research; Pit Bull Terriers were not originally bred to fight.Breed Specific Legislation is ridiculous!

SLM

12/6/2008 5:37:07 PM

Oh, and by the way, I do not own a Pit Bull, nor am I a bleeding heart.I'm just sensible.

SLM

12/6/2008 5:39:15 PM

A Pit Bull, by nature, is a stubborn breed. Unfortunately, the popular trend is to breed them to be aggressive. This is not the dog's fault. Make sure you meet the pup's parents to examine their behavior, this well help you make an informed decision. Pits are also energetic dogs, which makes them destructive, and possibly aggressive, when bored.

What

12/10/2008 7:22:27 AM

@What -- ALL terriers, by definition, are stubborn, which does not automatically translate into aggressiveness.Additionally, ALL dogs will become destructive when bored.That does not translate into aggressive behavior, either.It's all in the breeding and training.

SLM

12/10/2008 1:25:22 PM

@SLM- Wait... didn't i just say that? The breed in question in the article is a Pit. So, please stay on topic. The fact that it is stubborn may, (ready for this one?) make it hard to train. And the breeding was previously mentioned.

What

12/10/2008 1:37:04 PM

The whole issue about all of this is the fact that this is not the first incident with this dog! The title for god sakes is 'Dog owners must be responsible'. Thus meaning be responsible and choose your dog carefully. If your decision is to bring home a cute little Pit puppy be prepared for the potential consequences later, regardless of how you raise them. And I beg to differ with putting the whole Terrier group with them. I own a Boston Terrier currently, I've also had a Jack Russell and Schnauzer, none of which behaved near what a Pit is predisposed to. They may not of originally been bred to fight but that is what they are known for NOW. Period. The owners of this dog should of taken care of it after the first attack.

And to clarify what I meant by a 'claim' on the owners, I didn't mean a complaint, I was referring to an actual Homeowners Insurance claim. Or small claims court to recoup losses.

GOTouttaDodge

12/10/2008 3:56:47 PM

I agree. Pit's mouths are one of, if not "the", strongest recorded among canines. I still believe you can find a Pit that is bred to be a "family" pet. But, yes, it is very hard and most of the Pits in an average price range are bred to be fighters. In the end, its the old "nature vs. nurture."

What

12/10/2008 4:54:53 PM

The upshot of all this is that dog owners MUST be responsible individuals.It does not matter the breed, whether the dogs are in town or whether the offending irresponsible owners buy an acreage in the rural areas, have multiple dogs and let them run the country.The dogs are just being dogs, the culprits are their so called owners! The dogs sadly should not bear the brunt of punishment,but equally as unfortunate... we can't just shoot the owners.Therefore,our only choice in these situations is to destroy the dog(s).Fortunately in the rural area we can cap the dog(s) without recourse when harassing people, livestock or our pets.I don't want to kill anyone's pet,and most certainly not some kid's beloved pet.But,the 'owners' ignorance and apathy leave me and the vast majority of residents no choice.SHOOT THEM!

feralcat_1

12/12/2008 10:13:14 AM

@What -- you said, "Pits are also energetic dogs, which makes them destructive, and possibly aggressive, when bored" -- I answered that ALL dogs can become destructive when bored.Boredom, however, does not breed aggressiveness!And what, exactly, are you referring to when you say "nature vs. nurture"?Do you honestly believe Pit Bull Terriers are naturally aggressive??If so, you have some serious research to do.

@GOTouttaDodge -- What I said was that all Terriers are stubborn -- and they ARE! And yes, I have Terriers.You said that Pit Bulls are "predisposed" to aggressive behavior?That's a big negatory unless, of course, their pedigree is full of fighters, thus making it a breeding issue.Do your fact-checking and see what Pit Bulls were ORIGINALLY bred for.

@feralcat_1 -- Yeah, that makes sense.Let's just all go around shooting the dogs running at large.Maybe we'll miss and accidentally shoot some people while we're at it.What a great idea!

SLM

12/12/2008 3:27:15 PM

You bet SLM,you denegrate What and GotouttDodge because they voiced an opinion and they didn't see a point exactly as you stated.Well,if the shoe fits -wear it BUB!May I quote myself: "Therefore, our only choice in these situations is to destroy the dog(s). Fortunately in the rural area we can cap the dog(s) without recourse when harassing people, livestock or our pets. I don't want to kill anyone's pet, and most certainly not some kid's beloved pet."As YOU incorrectly stated, I did not and do not advocate "shooting the dogs running at large".In case you can't read,let me reiterate.... "we can cap the dog(s) without recourse WHEN HARASSING PEOPLE,LIVESTOCK OR OUR PETS !!!Does that register?????

feralcat_1

12/12/2008 4:41:38 PM

@feralcat_1 -- Your last two words were "SHOOT THEM!".Not much room for misinterpretation there.In addition, I did not denegrate (correct spelling "denigrate", and perhaps you should look up the definition, as you seem to be more guilty of it than anyone else here) anyone at all.I'm just stating fact as I know it.Oh, and P.S., I'm not a BUB, I'm a ma'am.

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